President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stressed the need to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold national unity and resolve national challenges through dialogue and mutual respect in a message marking the Great National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

In his message issued on Thursday, ahead of November 7, the president called on citizens to rise above political differences and work together to build a democratic, just, humane and secure Bangladesh.

He said national interests, equality, justice and democratic practices must receive the highest priority in state governance, adding that the country should be guided by the philosophy of “Bangladesh First”.

Recalling the events of November 7, 1975, Mirza Fakhrul paid tribute to the soldiers and civilians who participated in what he described as an epoch-making revolution.

He said the uprising took place at a critical juncture marked by corruption, anarchy and hegemonic conspiracies, and helped restore the country's independence and sovereignty.

The president also paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, who was freed from captivity during the events of November 7 and subsequently entrusted with the responsibility of leading the country through a period of crisis.

Highlighting the political legacy of the uprising, Mirza Fakhrul said Ziaur Rahman restored multiparty democracy, the rule of law, freedom of expression and press freedom. He also credited him with laying the foundations for economic emancipation and social peace.

The president said Ziaur Rahman pursued an independent foreign policy based on Bangladeshi nationalism while promoting national unity and good governance.

Drawing a parallel with the July 2024 mass uprising, Mirza Fakhrul said the collective efforts of students, women, men, members of the Armed Forces and people from all walks of life had brought an end to 16 years of what he described as fascist rule.

He said the country's independence and sovereignty had repeatedly faced threats, while democracy had been undermined by authoritarian rule.

Bangladesh had once again embarked on the path of democracy under an elected government through the collective efforts of its people, he added.

The president stressed that sustaining this democratic journey would require strengthening state institutions and ensuring that parliament remained central to resolving national challenges through dialogue.

He urged citizens to remain united in safeguarding national independence and sovereignty and work together to eliminate corruption, discrimination and conspiracies.

Mirza Fakhrul also wished success to all programmes organised to mark the Great National Revolution and Solidarity Day.